Justin Hare

New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare of Tucumcari Station was shot and killed on March 15, 2024 while responding to a call for assistance on the highway where a stranded motorist had a flat tire. Upon arrival at the scene at five in the morning, the motorist walked over to the cruiser and Officer Hare offered to give him a ride into town. The man then pulled a gun and shot Officer Hare and drove off in the vehicle. Hare was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his fatal wounds. He was 35 years old and had served six years with the State Police.

Hare served with the New Mexico State Police as a dedicated officer and CVE-certified patrolman. Raised in a close-knit family in Logan, New Mexico, Hare was the middle of three boys and shared a lifelong, inseparable bond with his younger brother, Brandon, who was also his best friend. Hare grew up loving the outdoors where he enjoyed riding horses, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the lake. His life was shaped by strong family values and the memory of his older brother, JC, who passed at the young age of 13 from cancer. 

Inspired by his grandfather, a longtime fire chief for the Raton Fire Department, Hare developed a passion for helping others early in life. He became a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16, later serving as a wildland hotshot who helped during the 2014 Washington wildfires. After college, Hare helped establish the Colfax County Rapid Response Volunteer Fire Department. He entered the New Mexico State Police Academy in July of 2018 and graduated in December, quickly earning a reputation as a patient, hardworking officer who often went above and beyond to help people, even using his own tools during calls.

Hare proudly placed 3rd in the 2023 NMSP/CVE Challenge—his first competition—and served as Treasurer for the New Mexico State Police Association, a position he was proud to hold in order to help his fellow officers and their families. Known as a true cowboy at heart, he was admired not only for his dedication but for his kindness, humility, and ability to make others feel safe.

Hare met his partner and love of his life, Daizzare, in 2015, and the two built a beautiful life together with their daughters, Juliann and Caydence. Their third daughter, Justi, was born in September 2024, after her father’s death. Hare and Daizzare discovered they were expecting a third girl three days before Hare’s tragic passing. Hare proudly accepted the fact that he was destined to be a girl dad. He was a great dad who loved his family, giving them his undivided attention. He always worked hard to ensure they had everything they needed. Though not legally married, he lovingly referred to her as his wife, and their bond was known and respected by everyone around them. His greatest joy was being a father—coaching sports, cheering from the sidelines, and being fully present with his girls.

Loved deeply by family, friends, colleagues, and his community, Hare is remembered as a loving partner, devoted dad, loyal brother and son, and a compassionate officer whose impact continues to be felt. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the traditions his daughters and partner continue in his honor through shared memories that keep his spirit alive. 

New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare is survived by his loving partner, Daizzare , their three daughters, and many other cherished family members and friends.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Hare family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.